The bestselling Fiske Guide to Colleges has again included the University of Mary Washington on its annual list of the “best and most interesting.” UMW is one of 11 Virginia schools in the 2025 edition, and it’s on the short list of inexpensive public colleges and universities based on current tuition and fees.
The selective guide pulls together just over 300 universities and colleges in the United States, with quotes directly from students and stories that show what makes each school unique.
It all starts with academic quality, which stretches through the curriculum at Mary Washington. As one student notes, “Our freshman seminar courses were a great way to ease into college life and all that it entails,” while the publication concludes, “Nearly every major requires students to complete a capstone project or experience or to take a senior-level intensive seminar.”
Local partnerships and internships stand out, from historic preservation rooted in Fredericksburg to international affairs and connections to the nation’s capital of Washington, D.C. Philanthropic support is noted as a boost to the undergraduate research program, scholarships and summer opportunities, including the Summer Science Institute.
The analysis continues through social aspects and quality-of-life ratings for each school.
“At Mary Washington, an unusually strong sense of community characterizes everything from academics to campus life,” says a student, noting the popular Tuesday night bingo and live music events. “There’s always something happening on campus,” says a senior. Traditions such as Eagle Gathering, a welcome ceremony for new students, and the field-day-like competition of Devil-Goat Day are frequently cited.
The campus experience comes up in detail, both for its historic presence in Fredericksburg and for the “spate of renovations in the last few years, including a $24 million overhaul of Seacobeck Hall, a longtime dining facility that now houses the College of Education.” Athletics and campus recreation add to the overall quality of life with nationally ranked NCAA teams, club sports and a variety of intramurals.
One student concludes, “It is a really special place to learn, further your academic pursuits and be encouraged stepping into a career after your time at UMW.”
Unique to the Fiske Guide is an “if you apply feature,” which summarizes vital information about each college’s admission process. At UMW, early decision or early action is the first opportunity, with filing dates of Nov. 1 or Nov. 15. The application for fall 2025 opens Aug. 1, available via the Common Application, with SAT/ACT scores optional.
